Assistant General Counsel

Nycedc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 209,700 - 256,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan

Vision plan

Disability coverage

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

401(a) plan

457(b) plan

Education reimbursement

PSLF eligible

Job summary

The New York City Economic Development Corporation seeks an Assistant General Counsel to serve as a senior transactional attorney, leading complex agreements in real estate, finance, infrastructure and corporate matters while advising internal teams on governance, regulatory and risk issues.

The role provides mentorship to legal staff, partners with the General Counsel, and represents NYCEDC in dealings with external parties and government entities, ensuring timely execution of strategic

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 10 years of practice in real estate, finance, construction, contracts or related fields.
• Experience leading complex transactional matters including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and closing sophisticated agreements.
• Admission to NY State Bar; NYC residency required within 180 days.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transactional practice for complex agreements and financing transactions.
• Provide strategic legal counsel across real estate, financing, infrastructure, and corporate initiatives.
• Supervise junior attorneys and mentor legal staff.
• Advise on governance, regulatory, contractual and risk management matters.
• Prepare materials for Boards of Directors and coordinate with City agencies.

Skills

Legal research

Negotiation

Contract drafting

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

New York State Bar admission

Job description

Our Vision

To make New York City the global model for inclusive innovation and economic growth, fueled by the City’s diverse people and businesses.

Our Mission

Creating a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers.

Position Overview

The Assistant General Counsel serves as a senior legal advisor and transactional attorney for NYCEDC, providing strategic legal counsel in support of the organization’s economic development, real estate, financing, infrastructure, and corporate initiatives. The Assistant General Counsel leads the structuring, negotiation, and execution of complex transactions; advises internal stakeholders on legal, regulatory, contractual, governance, and risk management matters; and represents NYCEDC’s interests in dealings with external parties, governmental entities, and partner organizations. The role also provides leadership, mentorship, and oversight to legal staff, serves as a trusted partner to the General Counsel in advancing departmental and organizational priorities, and generally represents the interests of NYCEDC.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform all aspects of transactional practice of NYCEDC as a lead attorney, which may include any of the following matters:
  • drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide variety of complex agreements, contracts and instruments, including contracts of sale, leases, permits, licenses, consultant agreements, funding agreements, loan agreements, construction contracts, operating agreements and similar documents for complex projects, including projects involving real estate development, waterfront development, transportation, maritime, capital and infrastructure funding and investment and NYCIDA and Build NYC Resource Corporation (“Build NYC”) financing transactions;
  • represents the client in negotiations of such matters;
  • effectively communicates corporate policies to third parties;
  • monitors and closes transactions in a timely manner; and
  • as necessary, supervises junior attorneys in connection with the foregoing activities.
• Ensure staff are oriented to their position and provided with appropriate training, development and continuing education.
• Monitor performance; provide coaching and feedback on an ongoing basis.
• Assist the General Counsel with respect to advising NYCEDC staff with respect to compliance with legal, contractual and corporate requirements, legislative matters as well as litigation matters, and coordination of such matters with the New York City Law Department and other City agencies when necessary.
• Provide research and memoranda of law and/or policy for the General Counsel and NYCEDC staff.
• Assist with preparation and review of materials to be presented to the Boards of Directors of NYCEDC, NYCIDA and Build NYC and to City agencies, as well as other corporate matters.
• Perform other tasks at the direction of the General Counsel, including the preparation of form contracts and agreements, participation in program development initiatives, corporate and personnel matters.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience practicing law as an attorney in real estate, finance, construction law, contract law, litigation or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex transactional matters, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and closing sophisticated agreements and transactions.
• Must have substantive knowledge of legal principles and practices applicable to real estate, finance, construction law, contracts, litigation, or related practice areas.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven legal research, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to identify, assess, and resolve complex legal issues and risks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise sound judgment in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while building effective relationships with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing legal professionals and managing performance.
• Admission to Practice Law in at least one State; New York State Bar admission required.
• NYC residency is required within 180 days of hire.

Salary Range

$233,000 — $233,000 USD

Benefits

• Generous employer subsidized health insurance
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Vision and hearing benefits
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Short term and long-term disability coverage
• 100% employer covered life insurance and supplemental life insurance coverage
• Up to 25 vacation days
• Floating Holidays and Summer Fridays
• Parental leave - up to 20 paid weeks
• Retirement savings programs
  • Company-paid 401(a) defined contribution plan
  • 457(b) tax-advantaged retirement savings plan
• Tuition Reimbursement program
• Continuing education and professional development
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• College savings plan
• Backup childcare
• Gym membership discounts
• A Calm.com membership for mindfulness and mental health support
• Employee discounts through Plum Benefits and much more

Benefits listed above may vary based on the length and nature of your employment with New York City Economic Development Corporation. These benefits are subject to be modified at any time, at the discretion of the organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The New York City Economic Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Diversity, Equity, and Social Responsibility Mission is to create a People First strategy by attracting, retaining, and engaging a diverse and talented workforce. Like the city of New York, NYCEDC knows our strength comes from each of our connected parts, making the fabric of our organization better and stronger because of our unique employees’ talents.

For more information, visit our website at edc.nyc.